Which of the following best describes the nature of secondary standards?

Which of the following best describes the nature of secondary standards?

• A. Strictly enforceable regulations
• B. Voluntary guidelines based on public preference
• C. Mandatory rules set by federal law
• D. Advisory protocols from governmental agencies

Answer: (B)

The best description of secondary standards is that they are voluntary guidelines, reflecting community or public preferences regarding environmental quality and protection. Secondary standards serve as benchmarks that aim to protect public welfare and provide information on health and environmental goals though they may not carry the full weight of law. These standards typically are established to complement primary standards, which are more stringent and enforceable regulations designed to safeguard public health. The secondary standards focus on aspects such as visibility, aesthetic enjoyment, and environmental quality, thus they rely on the public’s desire for these outcomes rather than imposing mandatory compliance. While the other options suggest a more binding or legislative nature, secondary standards are characterized by their advisory role, aiming to influence but not legally enforce actions or behaviors.

The best description of secondary standards is that they are voluntary guidelines, reflecting community or public preferences regarding environmental quality and protection. Secondary standards serve as benchmarks that aim to protect public welfare and provide information on health and environmental goals though they may not carry the full weight of law.

These standards typically are established to complement primary standards, which are more stringent and enforceable regulations designed to safeguard public health. The secondary standards focus on aspects such as visibility, aesthetic enjoyment, and environmental quality, thus they rely on the public’s desire for these outcomes rather than imposing mandatory compliance.

While the other options suggest a more binding or legislative nature, secondary standards are characterized by their advisory role, aiming to influence but not legally enforce actions or behaviors.